News: Marine recruits inherit Corps’ history on Parris Island

Staff Sgt. Richard Macurak, a drill instructor for Platoon 2004, Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, leads an incentive training session Oct. 30, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Recruits who fail to stay awake or pay attention during a class often receive incentive training, a short period of physical exercises administered in a controlled and deliberate manner, to improve discipline and motivation. Macurak is a 31-year-old native of White Haven, Pa. Hotel Company is scheduled to graduate Jan. 10, 2014.Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps. (Photo by Pfc. Vaniah Temple)

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – Throughout the weeks of training, recruits learn that becoming a Marine means inheriting a 238-year legacy of excellence.

From classrooms to combat courses, Marine Corps’ history, customs and traditions are drilled into recruits.

“The Marine Corps has always valued its legacy, and we see our history as a sacred heritage to pass down to the Marines coming behind us,” said Eric Junger, the depot training officer.

They receive six history classes, ranging from the Marine Corps’ founding in 1775 to recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recruits learn about major battles and conflicts as well as different warfare techniques prepare them for their future as Marines.

Junger believes that when Marines fight in battle, their mindset to never leave a fellow Marine behind comes from knowing the history of past Marines and knowing the bond of brotherhood Marines share.

Outside of the classroom, recruits routinely study, and drill instructors quiz them on historical facts and figures in preparation for a written examination on the 25th day of training.

“Great examples of our core values have been written across the pages of our history,” said Junger. “And it is all part of the transformation process into a Marine to be able to understand that.”